15 Ways to Protect Endangered Species
May 21 is National Endangered Species Day. This is a day to focus on the many species on our planet that are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, global warming, and other threats to their survival.
The green-home builders at Tommy Williams Homes are concerned about the loss of species because it affects us as well.
As the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) explains, “Together we all form part of the planet’s ecosystems, which means if there’s a biodiversity crisis, our health and livelihoods are at risk, too . . . . Biodiversity underpins the health of the planet and has a direct impact on all our lives.”
A recent report from the United Nations (UN) says that, while nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history, “it is not too late to make a difference, but only if we start now at every level from local to global.”
How can you help?
The worst thing we can do is decide the problem is too big to do anything about and just throw up our hands in surrender.
Because we’re part of the web of life on the planet, everything we do, no matter how small, can make a difference.
Actions you can take
Here are some suggestions from the Endangered Species Coalition on actions you can take to protect endangered species.
- Most importantly, learn about endangered species in your area.
- Create a backyard wildlife habitat. Install bird feeders and other wildlife attractants, such as birdhouses and birdbaths.
- Establish a pollinator garden with native vegetation in your yard. Native plants provide food and shelter for native wildlife. In turn, this will attract native insects like bees and butterflies that can help pollinate your plants.
- Avoid planting invasive species. Consequently, non-native plants can overtake and destroy native species on which animals depend.
- Reduce your use of water in your home and garden. This ensures animals that live in or near water can have a better chance of survival. Don’t dump paint, oil, or antifreeze, or other chemicals into streams, sewers, or street drains. These often wash into rivers, lakes, or the ocean and can pollute the water and harm people and wildlife.
- Place decals or other visual shields on windows in your home and office to deter bird collisions. Because of collisions with windows, millions of birds die every year.
- Slow down when driving and watch for animals suddenly darting onto the road. Many animals live in developed areas, which means they must navigate a landscape full of human hazards they don’t instinctively know how to deal with.
- Recycle and buy sustainable products, which helps cut down on loss of native habitat worldwide.
More actions
- Don’t litter or otherwise destroy sensitive habitats, which may be home to native and visiting species that are endangered or threatened.
- Never purchase products made from endangered species like ivory, coral, and tortoiseshell. Buy exotic plants and animals only from reputable stores.
- Organize or participate in a cleanup campaign of important habitats in your area. Be sure to work with appropriate local officials and environmental organizations.
- Report any harassment of threatened and endangered species. In Florida, the places to notify are:
- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection: https://floridadep.gov
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: https://floridadep.gov
- S. Fish and Wildlife Service Offices in Florida: https://www.fws.gov/offices/directory/ListOffices.cfm?statecode=12
- Visit a national wildlife refuge, park, or other open space. These protected lands provide habitat to many native wildlife, birds, and plants. After that, get involved by volunteering at your local park or wildlife refuge.
- Be vocal. Write a letter to your local newspaper urging support of important species protection measures, or email your state and local representatives to let them know you support saving endangered species. Use social media to spread the word to family and friends, and tell them what they can do to help.
- Use your money to make a difference. Many non-profit organizations are focused on protecting endangered animals. For instance, you could donate to WWF, The Nature Conservancy, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and Defenders of Wildlife.
How we protect endangered species
One more way you can protect endangered species and the planet is to live in a net-zero home, such as those carefully crafted by Tommy Williams Homes.
Also known as “zero-energy” homes, a net-zero home is one that, according to the Zero Energy Project, “are so air-tight, well insulated, and energy-efficient that they produce as much renewable energy as they consume over the course of a year, leaving occupants with a net-zero energy bill and a carbon-free home.”
Contact us today to see our wide range of affordable, sustainable floor plans.
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